Labour 'never called for Cordina's resignation'

The Labour Party had never called for the resignation of National Statistics' Office director general Gordon Cordina, an unapologetic Alfred Sant said.

Speaking during a political activity in Vittoriosa on Sunday, Dr Sant said he was unimpressed with the PN's "strange" and "stupid" campaign in protest at Dr Cordina's resignation.

Dr Cordina resigned after he was publicly criticised by the Labour Party in the wake of statistical revisions carried out by the NSO. He cited the inability to fulfil his duties with the peace of mind required by his position.

The Labour leader insisted that his party has not waged a campaign against Dr Cordina, so much so that he was never mentioned by name. All the Labour Party had asked for was a clear explanation of the "warped" revised statistics.

He said it was strange that the Labour Party had never received an answer to the technical questions raised in connection with the revisions. However, the EU's statistical arm, Eurostat, had subsequently certified the correctness of the NSO's statistical revision of GDP figures.

Dr Sant also urged the government to explain what had led to the resignation of Enemalta's chief executive Anthony Rizzo last week, rather than keep the truth under wraps.

It was ironic, Dr Sant said, that the individuals his party had asked to resign had never done so.

The government's performance in tourism came under the spotlight as the Labour leader criticised Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi's handling of the sector.

Since Dr Gonzi took office three years ago, eight hotels and guesthouses had closed - a reduction of 7,500 beds.

As evidenced by a business lunch organised by hoteliers last week, even individuals who were normally cautious in their criticism were speaking openly about the problems in the sector.

In reality, Malta had a government that was short of ideas and talented individuals, he charged.